Newspaper Cover Star, New Courses for 2023, Online Singing Group, History Channel

Posted on December 4, 2022 by lisa

lisa-and-abbie-weekend-cover — Lisa Redford EDP Newspaper – The Big Interview. Photo: Denise Bradley

Abbie and I are cover stars! Huge thanks to Mark Nicholls and the EDP for featuring me in this weekend’s EDP newspaper. It was lovely to sit down with Mark and talk about my music career, support from Whispering Bob Harris, songwriting, teaching music courses at Adult Learning , as well as my recent ventures into acting and filming .

The feature also mentions Future Radio, Access Creative and performing at this year’s Brisley Live at The Brisley Bell and Deepdale Festival.

denise-bradley — Lisa Redford. Photograph by Denise Bradley, Archant

lisa-and-bob-edp — Lisa Redford and Bob Harris

New Music Courses

“I think you’re a very engaging teacher, knowledgeable and personable. I would highly recommend.”

I have just finished teaching my beginner ukulele and guitar courses in Norwich this term and it was really rewarding to teach such enthusiastic learners who progressed so well.

I’m very excited to be running the fun and friendly 10 week sessions again at Wensum Lodge, Norwich for Adult Learning, Norfolk County Council from January 9th 2023. As well as beginner courses, for the first time I’m also teaching a Ukulele for Improvers course.

I’d really love to see some new students – more information on Guitar for Beginners here

Further details on Ukulele for Beginners here

screen-shot-2022-11-30-at-16-12-49 — Ukulele for Beginners Course

adult-learning-flier — Ukulele and Guitar for Beginners Course

Online Community Singing Group

It has been so rewarding and fun leading Singing for Wellbeing courses in Norwich for Adult Learning. Join me in a new wellbeing-focused online group for mental health service user charity Viewpoint, where we’ll be singing a selection of classic, well-known songs to uplift, connect, make you smile and improve your overall wellbeing. The first free session kicks off on Monday 5th December at 7pm!

Book your place here

As before, there’s no previous experience required. Just bring along an open mind and a joy for music! All are welcome – book your place now!

viewpoint-december — Viewpoint Community Singing Group

Toys that Built America – Season Two

edwardian — Lisa Redford in The Toys that Built America on the History Channel

Now showing on the HISTORY channel in the US, the second series of #ToysThatBuiltAmerica
The stories behind the innovations, inventions, and revolutions of some of history’s greatest toys. I appear in two episodes – the first, “Masters of the Universe” about the beginnings of iconic action figures, notably #StarWars, and as a stylish #Edwardian lady.

To see my appearance – and 70s hair! – in the first episode playing Ray Wagner’s PA, got to my Facebook page

Singing for Wellbeing Course, Acting on Sky Atlantic

Posted on October 12, 2022 by lisa

forum-singing-2 — Lisa Redford running a Songs from the Shows community singing session at The Forum, Norwich

Ran a lovely community singing session last week at The Forum, Norwich
Thanks so much to everyone who came along to sing some classic musicals with me.
The event was in support of Norfolk County Music Library Sets Norfolk Library and Information Service Norwich Millennium Library – bringing the joy of music to libraries and the community.

screen-shot-2022-10-12-at-11-08-53 — Singing for Wellbeing Course at Wensum Lodge, Norwich run by Lisa Redford

I am really enjoying teaching my current ukulele and guitar for beginners courses and am very excited to now be launching my first Singing for Wellbeing course later this month for Adult Learning at Wensum Lodge, Norwich. Discover the joy of singing together. Further details of how to enrol on this free 8 week course here I am also running Saturday classes including ukulele strumming sessions, more community singing and songwriting – please take a look at the Adult Learning website for updates. It was also nice to chat to Stephen Bumfrey about my community singing activities on BBC Radio Norfolk. The interview is available to listen to via BBC Sounds here – from 1:50.

lisa-lee-journalist-pic — Playing a journalist in This England on Sky Atlantic

this-england-pic — This England on Sky Atlantic

Currently on Sky Atlantic is “This England” – Kenneth Branagh as Boris Johnson in an unsettling account of the government handling of the pandemic. It was thrilling to play a journalist and film on a set of Downing Street at West Raynham and Wolterton Hall, Norfolk. I even got to say a couple of lines – look out for me near the end of episode 6!

deepdale-jason-and-lisa — Lisa Redford and Jason French at Deepdale Festival

deepdale-jon-clifton — Lisa Redford and Jason French at Deepdale Festival 2022. Photo by Jon Clifton

Had a great time playing this year’s Deepdale Festival. Lovely to be part of an amazing line-up and there’s always a warm welcome in beautiful North Norfolk – thanks to the hard working, passionate team there. Thanks to Jon Clifton for some great photos from the performance.

lisa-and-jason-deepdale-2 — Lisa Redford and Jason French at Deepdale Festival 2022

Acting on US TV, New Community Singing Event ~ Songs from the Shows, Ukulele and Guitar Courses

Posted on September 16, 2022 by lisa

community-singing-musicals — Songs from the Shows Community Singing Event at The Forum Atrium

Very excited for this! After a wonderful few weeks running fun community singing sessions in the spring, which was so rewarding and uplifting, I’m looking forward to be singing some well known songs from the musicals in the Atrium The Forum, Norwich on Thursday 6th October between 6pm – 7pm – come and join us! This free special event is in support of the Norfolk Music Sets Friends as part of a fundraising Community Singing Event.

Further details are on The Forum website

mary-kay-notes-on-a-scandal — Notes on a Scandal on Investigation Discovery Channel

mary-kay — Lisa Redford as Mary Kay LeTourneau in Notes on a Scandal – Investigation Discovery Channel

It’s always really exciting seeing that filming projects I’ve worked on now being shown on the small screen. Recently premiered on Investigation Discovery in the US was my portrayal of Mary Kay Letourneau entitled “Mary Kay Letourneau: Notes On A Scandal” as part of #Killer90sOnID

Another docuseries that I appear in is also on Investigation Discovery & streaming now on discovery+ #HouseofHammer a fascinating but disturbing and sinister documentary.

lisa-april-2022-70s-party-2 — Appearing in House of Hammer on Discovery +

Had a lovely first week teaching my beginner ukulele and guitar courses at Wensum Lodge. For further details of upcoming music courses, take a look at Adult Learning’s website where they will be more creative classes and workshops added.

brisley-cropped — Lisa Redford performing at Brisley Live at The Brisley Bell, Norfolk

Huge thanks to Adam Pryke Photography for these cool shots from a lovely afternoon performing at the first Brisley Live at The Brisley Bell near Dereham in Norfolk. A beautiful setting and wonderful family atmosphere. Next festival performance is Saturday September 24th at Deepdale Festival in Burnham Deepdale, another gorgeous location. It was lovely to chat to Jason Borthwick about my creative process and appearing at the festival for the Deepdale Podcast. Listen to the interview here

lisa-and-jason — Lisa Redford and Jason French performing at Brisley Live at The Brisley Bell

New Teaching Location, Beginner Guitar and Ukulele Courses for Autumn

Posted on August 18, 2022 by lisa

reepham-jason — Lisa Redford and Jason French performing at Reepham Festival 2022

Photos from a lovely time playing Reepham Festival at Whitwell And Reepham Station ~ sunshine, live music, great atmosphere, nice audience – so cool to be performing at festivals again. Thanks to the fantastic team at Reepham for having me and Jason French for joining me on banjo and fiddle. Next show is Brisley Live on September 10th, further details on their website

lisa-church-1 — Lisa Redford music lessons at Christ Church, Norwich

New Teaching Space – Christ Church, Norwich

I am now offering singing, guitar and beginner ukulele lessons at a room in the stunning Christ Church, just off the Mile End Road in Norwich, NR2 2AQ. Please get in touch by contacting parrotrecords@gmail.com if you are interested in booking a session in this wonderful space.

Beginner Guitar and Ukulele Courses at Wensum Lodge, Norwich

guitar-poster-new-sep-2022-1 — Guitar for Beginners with Lisa Redford

“Really enjoyed the course..got a lot further than any previous attempt” “thank you so much for your encouragement and spirit!” I received such lovely feedback for my first beginner ukulele and guitar courses in the summer. I’m very excited to be running the fun and friendly 10 week sessions again at Wensum Lodge, Norwich from September 12th.

I would really love to see some new students – further details here on the Adult learning website, search for arts and crafts

uke-pic-new-1 — Ukulele for Beginners with Lisa Redford

Summer Festivals and Events

Posted on July 28, 2022 by lisa

weeping-willows — Lisa Redford, Jason French and The Weeping Willows

I recently played a lovely gig at The Reindeer Norwich. Thanks so much to everyone who came along and made it such a lovely night. It was so nice to finally share the stage with the sublime The Weeping Willows on the first night of their UK tour which included sets at Maverick Festival. Thanks to the brilliant Jason French for joining me on banjo and fiddle – live video clips at Instagram @lisaredfordmusic

I also have some lovely festivals and events coming up including Reepham Festival on Sunday August 7th. It will be great to be back at this wonderful festival and I’m performing at the historic Whitwell Station from 2pm. More details and ticket info here

reepham-2022-2 — Lisa Redford at Reepham Festival 2022

Looking ahead to September and I’m excited to be performing at the award-winning Brisley Pub for Brisley Live – a weekend of live music, comedy and theatre. I will be playing on Saturday September 10th. Further details and tickets here

blinstagram-1 — Brisley Live – A weekend of comedy, theatre and music at The Brisley Bell

Another favourite festival is Deepdale Festival on the beautiful North Norfolk coast and I’m looking forward to returning this year amongst a wonderful line up. I will be performing on the Saturday afternoon. To book tickets and for further details, check out the website

It was so rewarding to teach my first beginner guitar and ukulele courses at Wensum Lodge for Adult learning this summer term and to receive wonderful feedback from learners who had enjoyed the courses. I will be teaching beginner courses again this September so any budding guitarists and ukulele players please check out the dates and details on the Norfolk County Council website

New Shows and Festivals Announced, More Community Singing and Acting

Posted on June 11, 2022 by lisa

lisa-last-session-hands — Lisa Redford – Community Singing Sessions at the Millennium Library, Norwich

When I started the fun and free #community #singing sessions in Norwich libraries earlier this year, I didn’t think it would continue to grow. I’m excited to be starting a new #online singing group from June 6 – July 11 for Viewpoint – a mental health service user charity based in Hertfordshire.

I’ve also been really enjoying running my beginner ukulele and guitar courses at Wensum Lodge this summer term. It’s been so rewarding and fun to teach in-person again after so long and share my passion for both instruments. I’m also resuming my one to one music lessons in-person and have a new teaching venue: the beautiful Christ Church, just off Mile End Road at NR2 2AQ. If you would like to find out more, please get in contact.

I’m also continuing to enjoy a mixture of acting roles. I had a great time recently filming in a beautiful North Norfolk beachside location, part of a fascinating true story and playing a glamorous party girl. It’s exciting to finally see projects coming on to the screen and I’m really looking forward to seeing ‘This England’ on Sky TV later this year in which I play a journalist in one scene. Kenneth Branagh looking and sounding remarkably like Boris Johnson!

lisa-april-2022-70s-party — Playing a party girl in upcoming crime documentary

281166347_5640312275999206_774316685946661747_n-1

Upcoming Gigs!

Really excited that I will be performing on Thursday 30th June at The Reindeer Norwich with wonderful award-winning Americana duo, The Weeping Willows from Melbourne, Australia. The free gig will be part of their upcoming UK tour which also includes a performance at this year’s Maverick Festival.

I’m also looking forward to returning to the lovely Reepham Festival; performing at Whitwell Station on Sunday, August 6th. More details on their official website and the shows page.

Guitar and Ukulele for Beginner Courses, Community Singing

Posted on March 23, 2022 by lisa

adult-learning-course — Adult learning courses at Wensum Lodge, Norwich

I’m really excited to be running beginner ukulele and guitar courses at Wensum Lodge for the first time starting April 25th. They are part of a programme of new and exciting creative, language and wellbeing courses which include Stained Glass; Botanical Art and Architectural Drawing; Latin; Philosophy; Textiles upcycling and alterations; Yoga; Polish language; Photography and Creative Writing. Here are some nice new flyers from Adult Learning for the courses and there are also taster sessions happening next week. To find out more details and to book, please visit here

taster-sessions — Introduction to Guitar and Ukulele Taster sessions

millennium-warm-up — Community Singing Sessions – Warming up

How joyous is this photo! The community singing sessions I have been running at Earlham Library and The Millennium Library in Norwich have been lots of fun to do and so rewarding too. To hear comments from people saying that I’ve made their day and really cheered them up means such a lot. I’ve also had some great song requests and it’s been lovely to see people coming back each week to sing classic songs together. Thanks so much to everyone who has come along to a session and all the kind words. There are video clips of some of the singalongs at The Millennium Library’s Facebook Page

forum-singing — Singing at the The Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library

folk-features-singing — A lovely piece at Folk Features on why singing and music means so much to me

I’m also looking forward to playing some gigs and festivals soon. Check out the shows page where I will be posting details of live shows.

lisa-redford-canopy-theatre-202100911-255_flickr — Live at the Canopy Theatre, Suffolk. Photo by Rodney Kidd

Fun Community Singing Sessions, Running Music Courses, TV Roles, New Live Videos

Posted on February 13, 2022 by lisa

I’ve been wanting to do something positive and inspiring for awhile that reflects my passion for music and singing and could really make a difference to those who are struggling with their mental health or loneliness at the moment. I’m really excited to be running some free, fun and informal community singing sessions at the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library starting Tuesday 22nd February 2.30pm – 3.30pm – also at Earlham Library at 11.00am – 12pm on the same day – and then every Tuesday for 6 weeks.

Try these new singing sessions to boost your wellbeing where we’ll be singing a selection of classic, well known songs to uplift, connect and make you smile. No previous experience is required and there is no need to read music. All are welcome – feel to come along and drop in on the day. Here’s a piece I’ve written about the sessions for my friends at All Things Norfolk on why singing and music is so important to me.

Come and join me to have fun, connect with others and improve our wellbeing through a shared singing experience!

guitar-closer-version-6 — Teaching Guitar for Beginners starting in April

I’m also really excited to be running two 10 week beginner courses in guitar and ukulele at Wensum Lodge in Norwich starting in the summer term for Norfolk County Council. I can’t wait to share my passion for teaching both instruments and to help you learn the basic skills to get you started with playing chords and strumming. More information about the guitar course is here

version-2 — Teaching a Ukulele for Beginners Course – Starting in April

It has been really fun, and a new creative challenge, to try some acting and work as a supporting artist recently on a variety of drama and documentary programmes. It’s really exciting finally seeing some of the TV projects that I’ve worked on finally hitting the screen. Now on britbox, “Magpie Murders” which was filmed in beautiful Suffolk and where I played a nurse:

Also on Netflix is “Catching Killers” – being a cop!

Now showing on American subscription streaming service Acorn TV is the brand new series of Emmy Award-nominated mystery drama “Queens of Mystery”. It was a lot of fun to appear in episode “The Modern Art of Murder” Pictured here on set in London with brilliant actresses Julie Graham, Siobhan Redmond and Florence Hall.

“Let Go” Live at the Canopy Theatre, Suffolk. Jason French on fiddle

I’ve been going through some live performances from the past few months when it was great to play again to audiences. Thanks to Rodney Kidd for filming original song “Let Go” live from The Canopy Theatre, Hungate Church, Beccles, Suffolk for Martello Promotions~ a lovely headline show in September 2021. Jason French on fiddle.

Performing original song “Carolina Rain” from a lovely Women in Music Day at The Brickmakers Norwich. Jason French on fiddle. Thanks to Liz for filming.

A live solo performance this time. Always really nice to perform at Deepdale Festival in beautiful Burnham Deepdale, North Norfolk. Thanks to Karl for getting some footage of the show on iPhone.

Lisa Redford “Here Alone” Live at Canopy Theatre, Suffolk

Another performance from Canopy Theatre, Suffolk: “Here Alone” with Jason French on fiddle. More live performances on my YouTube channel.

New Video for Bob Harris and Under the Apple Tree, Headline Concert and More Shows

Posted on August 27, 2021 by lisa

Lisa Redford ‘Anything But Easy’ | Under the Apple Tree Session

Ahead of some live concerts, I’m excited to share this never seen before live session for Whispering Bob Harris #UnderTheAppleTree which has been uploaded to my YouTube channel.
Performing ‘Anything But Easy’ awhile back. The brilliant musician and dear friend Alan Cook on dobro. Thanks to Bob & all at #UTAT for the lovely memory & their support of #indieartists
Thanks for watching.

My first headline show in a long, long time is next month. Performing in Beccles, Suffolk for Martello Promotions who promote the finest acoustic music in the North Suffolk area. Tickets are available online here It would be lovely if you can join me for what will be a very special night. I’m also booking other gigs – all details will be on the show page.

I’ve been continuing to record and perform live acoustic covers for Rob Butler’s show on BBC Radio Norfolk. Some of them have been uploaded to my SoundCloud page and here’s a live video of me playing Bruce Springsteen’s anthem ‘Dancing in the Dark’

My various creative activities have included doing some more writing for Songwriting Magazine. My my recent feature is a review of Gary Barlow’s songwriting course for BBC Maestro. Check out the review here

I’ve also been doing some acting! It’s been really fun to be part of the cast for various shows including a history and music documentary series. Will be sure to reveal more details when they are broadcast. More photos on my Instagram

1930s-close-up — Part of the cast in a history documentary series. Details to follow.

rock-chick — Playing a rock chick in upcoming music documentary series

BBC Music Feature, Songwriting Magazine Article, IWD Broadcast, New Videos

Posted on April 30, 2021 by lisa

bbc-rob-butler-7430420 — BBC Radio Norfolk music feature for Rob Butler’s show

It’s been really fun to be part of a new regular music feature for Rob Butler’s show on BBC Radio Norfolk where I’ve recorded live acoustic covers from the 80’s and beyond, as well as Britpop tracks and Pride anthems. Rob previously featured the Future Radio fundraising single ‘This Fine City’ and interviewed me about it for Norwich City fanzine show The Scrimmage. So far I have performed six brilliant songs: the classic pop of Erasure’s ‘A Little Respect’, Tom Petty’s anthemic ‘I Won’t Back Down’, ‘Slide Away” by Oasis, ‘Inbetween Days’ The Cure and most recently ‘So in Love’ by OMD. I’ve also covered ‘Jolene’ by the one and Dolly Parton and you can see a live performance on YouTube as well as hear the version on my Soundcloud page Keep listening to Rob’s show (Monday – Wednesday evenings) for my next covers challenge!

Dolly Parton ‘Jolene’ acoustic cover

iwd-2021-6397264 — Broadcast for International Women’s Day

It was lovely to be part of a very exciting and creative broadcast being played across the U.K. for this year’s International Women’s Day. I was among 30 female artists from across the country invited to write & recorded a brand new piece in under a day to be broadcast on community radio stations around the country, including Future Radio. The full #internationalwomensday broadcast is now available to listen to online at SoundCloud – my original piece written ‘Wings to Fly’ is at 11:30 https://soundcloud.com/soundart-radio

2021-02-10-18-08-26-3101650 — Safe Rescue for Dogs feature for All Things Norfolk

I wrote about the IWD broadcast in one of my recent columns for All Things Norfolk. I also shared details of ‘One in the Crowd’ – acoustic charity single for Safe Rescue for Dogs – and it was lovely to receive airplay on various radio stations for the song as well as getting to talk about it and introduce it on a BBC Upload show – a show that showcases local creative talent of all kinds. Thanks also to Belles and Gals for this lovely article about the song and for having me perform recently for one of their #UKCMSA live-streams.

songwriting-magazine-spring-2021-8616622

After writing a feature for the winter issue, it’s lovely to have contributed another new article ‘Lessons Learned in Lockdown’ to the brilliant spring issue of Songwriting Magazine. The new issue is packed with tips, news, reviews, gear and interviews featuring Diane Warren, Teenage Fanclub, Hailey Whitters, Tom Grennan, Newton Faulkner, Peggy Seegar and more. Available at Pocketmags here